TMZ Sports - Page 50

LeBron James and the Lakers are finally back on the court Thursday night ... and MAN, THIS DUDE IS PUMPED TF UP ABOUT IT!!!

It's been 135 days since we've seen the Purple & Gold in action thanks to the COVID-19 shutdown ... and the King has been champing at the bit to return to work.

The Lakers have a scrimmage (yes, we're this stoked about a game that doesn't even matter) against the Dallas Mavericks at 7 PM ... which is the first bit of action before the season returns July 30.

But, for LeBron?? This ain't no scrimmage.

"Let’s Get It!! We back at it tonight," LBJ said on IG. "Can’t wait and it’s just a scrimmage. Not to me though."

Of course, LeBron is jumping back into his quest for a 4th ring ... and the Lakers (currently 1st in the West) are poised to make a run at the title.

"Championship mindset at all time!! 🤷🏾‍♂️👑. #RevengeSeasonContinues😤 #ThekidfromAKRON🤴🏾"

Bron's excitement is GREAT news for Laker fans ... not so much for the Mavs.

Tim Brown and Darrell Green can SAAAAAAAAAAAANGGGG!!!

The two NFL legends showed off their sweet voices in a new vid this week ... and it was all to help raise money and awareness for those battling cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FYI ... the Hall of Famers are part of the NFL's Player's Choir, which is a group of about 20 current and former footballers who have some serious pipes.

And, at some point this month, they joined up for a virtual, socially-distanced rendition of "This Little Light Of Mine" to help out the American Cancer Society ... and it's amazing.

Check out the vid ... the NFLers smashed the tune for about three minutes -- and the fact that it was all for a great cause made it even sweeter.

The ACS says the cancer community has had to deal with some serious and unique needs during the global pandemic ... and it says vids like this one can help raise donations through their "Share The Light" campaign.

They still don't have a team name, but Washington now officially has Chase Young!

The NFL franchise has finally signed the former Ohio State superstar -- the #2 overall pick in the draft -- to a fat new contract ... and yeah, he looks super happy!

4 years, $34.56 million, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport ... with a $22.7 million signing bonus (he gets the signing bonus money all up front).

So yeah, you'd probably be smiling too!

The 21-year-old is expected to have an immediate impact with the team after dominating in college.

He recorded 16.5 sacks in 2019 -- breaking the OSU single-season record -- despite the fact he was suspended for 2 games!

Of course, the suspension was a big deal in itself -- officials say Young took an unauthorized loan from a family friend to help his girlfriend travel to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl game. He eventually repaid the loan in full.

Now, he doesn't have to worry about money anymore -- YOU'RE RICH!

The Floyd Mayweather boxing comeback is back on -- he's actively looking for new exhibition fights after shutting things down earlier this year.

We broke the story ... Mayweather had previously been gunning for 2 fights in 2020 -- one against a pro boxer and one against an MMA star (he was really into the idea of Khabib Nurmagomedov).

But, some unforeseen circumstances changed those plans -- not just the COVID pandemic ... but Floyd was also crushed by the unexpected deaths of his uncle, Roger Mayweather, and Josie Harris, the mother of his children.

Back in March, Floyd was telling people close to him he wasn't in the right state of mind to focus on a comeback ... but now in July, he says he's ready for some exhibition fights in Japan.

"We’re working on some things right now for Tokyo," Floyd told Forbes ... "Whether 2020 or 2021."

The opponents are still up in the air -- but Floyd is making it crystal clear, these will be boxing matches and NOT mixed martial arts fights,

“No [I won’t compete in MMA],” Mayweather said -- "I think just like how winning teams receive home-field advantage in the playoffs ... you don't fix what isn't broken, and my record isn't broken.”

Floyd had previously teased the idea of an MMA fight -- and even began MMA training -- but ultimately decided, he'll stick to fists-only.

As for a Conor McGregor boxing rematch -- Mayweather says there's no deal in place, but he's keeping the opportunity open.

"For now, I'm happily retired. You never know, but it would have to be worth it,” Mayweather said.

Georges St-Pierre says he's VERY flattered by Kamaru Usman's call-out ... but he's just not ready to un-retire and get back in the Octagon.

"I think for me it's better if I stay retired," GSP tells TMZ Sports ... "It's not worth it for me."

Of course, GSP formally retired back in 2019 -- saying he wanted to leave while still on top (his last fight was a '17 victory over Michael Bisping).

But, 39-year-old GSP still trains like a maniac -- and people close to him say he's still in dangerous fighting shape.

In fact, UFC welterweight champ Kamaru Usman called him out earlier this month -- saying he would love to bait GSP out of retirement for one last fight before he truly rides off into the sunset.

But, St-Pierre tells us he's given it some serious thought ... and he just isn't feeling a comeback -- at least not right now.

"Sometimes I'm watching the fights and I'm like, 'Man I think I can beat these guys' or after when I'm done training I feel like I'm very confident," GSP says.

"But, after I go home at night and I'm thinking about all that crazy thoughts and I'm like 'I'm gonna be 40 years old soon, do I really wanna go back and do a hardcore training camp of 2 months? Put myself in jail so to speak and get ready for hell? I'm like, no I don't."

"I've done it for a very long time and unfortunately there's too many guys that retire too late and I do not want to be one of these guys."

"I'm very fortunate, I'm healthy most importantly and I'm also wealthy. I came out at the right time, I made a lot of money and I think the problems are when I matured and calculated the pros and cons, it's better that i stay retired."

GSP had nothing but praise for Usman -- saying the guy is one of the smartest fighters out there and has big things in his future ... but he's just not ready to throw down right now.

But, watch the whole clip ... St-Pierre says he's always willing to entertain an offer if the UFC calls him up.

Antonio Brown is pissed off at the NFL -- claiming the league's multiple investigations surrounding him are taking FOREVER and it's hurting his chances to sign with a team.

The league has previously said it was looking into multiple off-the-field incidents and allegations involving Brown -- from his battery arrest on a moving truck driver to sexual assault claims to menacing text messages he sent a woman who accused him of sexual misconduct.

There were also multiple incidents involving Brown publicly berating police officers and the mother of his child ... some of which AB streamed live on Instagram.

NFL commish Roger Goodell had said back in January the league was looking into Brown and wanted to help him get his life back on track.

But, here we are at the end of July and the league has yet to mete out punishment. Brown says teams are interested in signing him but are afraid to pull the trigger without knowing if he'll be suspended (or for how long).

"NFL, I have complied with each and every ask of your investigations throughout the past 11 months," Brown said in a message directed at Roger Goodell.

"You have had access to all of my phones, you know what the deal is in each and every situation that the media has distorted. I have been seeing the therapist you asked me to, I have worked on all aspects of my life this past year and have become a better man because of it."

"The fact that you refuse to provide a deadline and the reason for the fact you won’t resolve your investigations is completely unacceptable."

Brown says he "demands" the league "provide me clarity on this situation immediately if you really care about my wellbeing."

He continues, "My legal team continues to ask and you provide no answers. How is it that the league can just drag its feet on any investigation it chooses on players and we just have to sit there in limbo?"

"Need an update so I can talk to these teams properly, they’re waiting on you @nfl let’s get this thing moving! We’ve got history to make!!"

Brown was recently spotted working out with Russell Wilson -- maybe he thinks the Seahawks are interested?

An undefeated pro boxer was AXED by his management company Wednesday after the fighter went on a disgusting homophobic rant on TikTok.

Meet James Hawley ... a 21-year-old fighter from the U.K. -- he's 6-0 and was signed with MTK Global, which reps huge boxing stars like Tyson Fury, Carl Frampton and Billy Joe Saunders.

Hawley decided to do a little Q&A on TikTok recently and was asked, "Do you support LGBT?"

His response ... "I one-thousand, one-million percent do not agree with this stuff."

Hawley said he appreciates hot lesbian chicks -- but gay dudes and transgender people just rub him the wrong way.

What a renaissance man, right?

Hawley continued to spew a bunch of super offensive and graphic stuff that we're just not going to include in this article.

He ended with, "I feel sorry for your families."

The rant caught the attention of a "RuPaul's Drag Race U.K." star named Baga Chipz -- who reached out to MTK Global to find out why they would represent someone with such a hateful message?

To MTK Global's credit, they responded to Baga Chipz almost immediately -- saying they cut ties with Hawley after seeing the clip.

"The management team have made the decision to terminate Mr. Hawley's contract with MTK Global with immediate effect and will no longer be representing him in any format."

"MTK Global does not in any way condone, or support the views that were shared in any way, nor will these comments ever be considered as acceptable from any of our fighters hence the decision that was made by management."

After his release, Hawley made a video addressing the move -- and sort of (but not really) apologizing.

Hawley's defense is that he was being sent graphic photos and videos from gay people and lashed out in a fit of anger.

Hawley says he is the victim of abuse by those people -- and isn't backing down.

Of course, Hawley also offered up the "I have gay friends" excuse.

Golden Barbie has found a Ken!!

2020 S.I. Swimsuit cover model Jasmine Sanders is dating celebrity trainer Anthony Rhoades ... and it's so real, he got her name tatted on him!!

Sources close to the couple tell TMZ Sports ... the two initially met through mutual friends in Miami ... and recently decided to take things to the next level.

We're told Sanders and Rhoades have been "officially" together since early 2020.

Rhoades -- who trains huge names like Rick Ross, Evander Holyfield and J. Balvin -- threw his girl a surprise private dinner at Kiki on the River in Miami on Tuesday ... complete with a MASSIVE cake and cut-out of her S.I. cover!!

The couple was joined by friends David and Isabella Grutman ... as well as Aris Nanos, one of the restaurant's owners.

As for the fresh ink, Anthony decided to commemorate his girl's big night by getting "Jasmine" tattooed on the side of his hand!!

As we previously reported, Sanders actually has TWO covers this year -- one by herself and another including fellow S.I. vets Olivia Culpo and Kate Bock ... so yeah, it's a big deal.

Rhoades congratulated Sanders on the accomplishment ... saying, "You set an amazing example for young women all over the world."

"I’m beyond proud of you babe. I know how much this means to you and what it represents on a deeper level. Keep being the brightest star in the sky... this world needs guidance."

"You’ve earned every bit of this."

Atlanta Dream star Renee Montgomery says she straight-up disagrees with her boss -- claiming Sen. Kelly Loeffler is wrong for thinking fans will turn on the league overeats support of Black Lives Matter.

FYI, Senator Loeffler (R-GA) is a co-owner of the Dream -- and made it clear she's AGAINST the league's social justice initiatives that support BLM claiming it will rub some WNBA fans the wrong way.

"I think a lot of people feel that they may not have a place," Loeffler told ESPN ... "They may feel excluded from this sport and other sports that make them feel like American values aren't at the core of what we're doing here."

Loeffler was also critical of the Black Lives Matter organization -- saying it's much different from the BLM movement, which she strongly condemns.

"The Black Lives Matter political organization advocates things like defunding and abolishing the police, abolishing our military, emptying our prisons, destroying the nuclear family. It promotes violence and antisemitism. To me, this is not what our league stands for."

Enter Montgomery ... who played 2 seasons with the Dream -- and responded to Loeffler's comments on the "TMZ Sports" TV show.

Montgomery says it's great that Loeffler is open to having a deeper 1-on-1 conversation about the issue ... but for now, they remain on opposite sides of the fence.

Long story short, Montgomery says the WNBA is embracing the BLM movement -- NOT the group -- and she's frustrated that certain people like Loeffler are trying to conflate them.

Montgomery -- an 11-year WNBA vet and 2-time WNBA champion -- also says she doesn't believe fans will leave in droves because players are fighting for social justice.

"If its gonna bother a fan that much that a player wants to promote equality -- that a player wants to promote the movement -- then maybe [those fans] shouldn’t watch it."

Montgomery adds, "[Loeffler is] saying they're gonna lose fans but I think a lot of people will be welcoming to the idea of inclusion."

Renee also wonders why Loeffler is digging in her heels so strongly to continue to be a part of a league with such different social values -.

"I don’t understand why you would want to be a part of something that has such different beliefs than you."

Montgomery recently opted out of her 3rd year with the Dream to focus on social justice issues -- but hasn't retired and could rejoin the league next year.

When asked if the rift with Loeffler would dissuade her from rejoining the Atlanta Dream -- Montgomery said it would not ... explaining how the organization as a whole has been incredibly supportive.

"I have no problem with the Dream organization at all."

Great news for Ed Oliver ... the Buffalo Bills' rising star is getting his DWI and gun charges dropped because of insufficient evidence, prosecutors confirmed to TMZ Sports on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old former first-round pick -- who had a rock-solid rookie season for Buffalo last year -- was arrested back on May 16 in Montgomery, Texas after cops say he was drunk driving.

Officers claim witnesses told them they saw Oliver swerving and driving dangerously at around 9 PM ... and they say when they eventually caught up to Ed, he was doing 80 mph in a 45 and illegally passing people.

Cops say when they pulled Ed over, they noticed a "moderate" odor of alcohol and said Oliver had bloodshot and glassy eyes.

The officers also say Oliver had an open can of Bud Light in the driver's side door ... and claim the guy bombed sobriety tests.

Cops also say they found a pistol in his car after searching his ride.

Eventually, Oliver was arrested and charged with class B misdemeanor driving while intoxicated and class A misdemeanor "unlawful carry weapon."

But, prosecutors told us Wednesday they filed a motion to drop the charges after the testing for drugs/alcohol came back negative.

Oliver's attorney, Gary E. Patterson, elaborated to Fox 26's Mark Berman, saying, "The charges against Ed Oliver are being dismissed by the district attorney in Montgomery County (because of) the lack of evidence."

"The blood results came back and they were totally negative. He had no drugs at all in his system..So everybody know it's not the attorney that's getting him off. They had no evidence."

As for the gun charge, Patterson told Berman, "It gets automatically dismissed because it's only illegal to have a pistol in your vehicle if you're intoxicated or if you get charged with another criminal act. So when the DWI is dimissed, it's not illegal to have a pistol with you."

Oliver himself weighed in on the news, writing on his social media page, "Now y’all go back and read this article knowing that all my blood work came back clean!!!but I had a beer can between my legs get the f*** out of here how does a 5’8 officer see inside a window above his head anyway how do 5 cop cars show up before I take a sobriety test huh"

Dodgers fans, rejoice!!! ... Mookie Betts appears set to be a Los Angeleno for life -- reportedly closing in on signing a massive 10-YEAR extension with the team!!!

Official numbers on the imminent deal aren't out yet ... but WEEI's Lou Merloni reports the figures could be anywhere from $350 to $400 MILLION for the life of the contract.

Of course, it's HUGE news for the Dodgers ... there was some worry in the City of Angels that the impending free agent, Betts, would bolt for another team after this season.

But, the outfielder -- who won an MVP and a World Series ring in Boston before being traded to the Dodgers this offseason -- now appears poised to finish out his career in California.

The 27-year-old is one of the game's brightest stars ... he's got a .301 career batting average and has already come up with a few monster hits in the Dodgers' exhibition games this month.

Crushing blow for Red Sox fans, meanwhile ... some thought Mookie would return to Beantown and sign a long-term deal there after this season.

Tough break.

Richaun Holmes is revealing the meal that made him risk it all and leave the NBA bubble ... saying he was craving some delicious chicken wings!!!

Remember, the Sacramento Kings forward/center was forced back into a 10-day quarantine in Orlando earlier this month ... after he stepped off the Disney campus to pick up a food delivery.

The 26-year-old is back with the team after doing his time ... and he's breaking down the moment he messed up and popped the bubble.

"I ordered some food, ordered some wings and went to grab the wings and I wasn't really too aware of the borders," Holmes said.

"I stepped out, grabbed the food and came back and they just let me know they want me to be as safe as possible and had to enforce the rules and I completely understand that."

"Won't make that mistake again."

Of course, the league is taking the bubble VERY seriously ... which has resulted in ZERO new positive COVID-19 tests over the past week.

Holmes says he spent the 10 days working out and doing sprints in his room ... even using a punching bag to get out his aggression.

But, the REAL question is ... were the wings worth it?!?!

NOVAK?! HAVE YOU LEARNED NOTHING?!!

Despite being at the center of a massive COVID-19 exposure, tennis superstar Novak Djokovic is still refusing to wear a mask!

The 33-year-old Serbian was spotted out Wednesday in Marbella, Spain -- a super popular vacation spot -- hanging out with a bunch of people.

No one in Novak's group appeared to be wearing a face-covering or seemed to make an effort to social distance.

Of course, Spain was hit particularly hard by the coronavirus -- with over 28,000 reported deaths -- but the popular beach areas finally began opening up earlier this month.

In fact, there are 3,000 "beach wardens" patrolling the sand to enforce safety protocols -- including mask-wearing.

There are stiff penalties for non-compliance -- including a $110 fine if caught maskless.

Obviously, Novak can afford a measly fine -- you'd think he'd want to avoid the public shaming (AGAIN) after throwing that COVID-infested tennis tournament last month.

As we previously reported, Novak blew off social distancing advice and hosted a tennis tournament in Croatia -- and shocker -- a bunch of people tested positive!

Both Novak and his wife contracted the virus -- and while they eventually recovered, you'd think they'd start taking safety measures more seriously.

Bill Belichick's going to LOVE this ...

Cam Newton brought out yet another Patriots receiver for a throwing sesh in L.A. this month ... this time getting in some reps with Julian Edelman -- who's already praising the team's new QB!!

Cam posted a clip of their workout on Wednesday ... and it shows him throwing a dart of a football to a shirtless Edelman -- who loved the pass so much, he shouted out the QB in the vid.

"It very well could be like that," Edelman says after making the reception. "Great ball!"

Of course, Cam's worked out with just about every top New England wideout since signing with the team a few weeks ago ... he's had multiple L.A. sessions with Mohamed Sanu and N'Keal Harry in the last few weeks.

But, a workout with Jules is far more significant ... Edelman is the team's WR1 -- and the biggest leader on the squad now that Tom Brady's gone.

We're assuming more footage and details from the workout are on the way ... but seems Julian liked it all -- he reposted Cam's vid on social media with emojis of eyeballs and a shush sign.

NY Jets owner Woody Johnson -- who's also the U.S. ambassador to the U.K. -- was investigated by the State Dept. over alleged racist and sexist comments to his staff, according to CNN.

Long story short, the CNN report paints Johnson as a racist, sexist meathead, who often made insensitive comments about minorities and women in the capacity of doing his job.

Here are some of the allegations ...

-- In 2018, Johnson allegedly made racist remarks before an event for Black History Month. CNN says he "appeared agitated and asked if the audience would be 'a whole bunch of Black people?'"

Multiple sources told CNN that Johnson openly questioned the need for Black History Month -- and "argued that Black fathers didn't remain with their families and that was the 'real challenge.'"

The incident was reported to the Office of the Inspector General, says CNN.

-- Multiple sources tell CNN that Johnson would hold official meetings at a fancy "men's only" club in London called "White's" -- where no female diplomats were allowed to attend.

-- Johnson is also accused of making all sorts of offensive statements about women during his job as ambassador ... many of which focused on looks.

CNN described some of the comments this way ... "According to one source, at certain public events, Johnson would start his remarks by quipping about how many pretty women were present -- reducing them to decorative objects in a way a source described as 'just sort of cringeworthy.'"

The State Dept. did not comment on the status of the investigation -- but told CNN that Woody is a "valued member of the team who has led Mission UK honorably and professionally."

"We stand by Ambassador Johnson and look forward to him continuing to ensure our special relationship with the UK is strong."

We reached out to the NY Jets for comment -- so far, no word back.

Johnson -- who was appointed ambassador to the United Kingdom by President Donald Trump in 2017 -- is an heir to the Johnson & Johnson empire.

He famously purchased the NY Jets in 2000 for $635 million.